EXPLORING GENDER AND AGE DISPARITIES IN MOBILE GAMING HABITS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

The present research study aimed to examining gender and age differences in mobile gaming habits of secondary school students in Punjab. The mobile gaming habits and patterns involve frequency, preferences and time spent on mobile game play. The research employed a sample of 1200 students selected through stratified random sampling, with 55.5% identifying as male and 44.5% as female. Data collection instruments included a self-constructed Mobile Gaming Habits Scale and a Biographic-Demographic Information Form. The results of the study indicate substantial distinctions between male and female students across various dimensions of mobile gaming habits, including withdrawal, obsession, mood modification, and malfunction. However, no significant differences were observed concerning age. 90.9% of school students use mobile for playing digital games and more than one-third 37% of school students play action games on mobile. Males predominantly engage in multiplayer gaming mode, displaying a preference for action, role-playing, and sports game genres. Conversely, females exhibit a predilection for singleplayer gaming mode, gravitating towards puzzle game genres. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between gender, age, and mobile gaming behaviours among secondary school students. Such insights are valuable for educators, parents, and researchers aiming to address potential concerns related to excessive mobile gaming and its impact on adolescents